Details of the surrounding area.
Villanueva del Trabuco, Colmenarand Archidona are small towns in the foothills of the mountains, surrounded by olive groves. They are well outside the normal tourist areas so if you need discos and night clubs you will be disappointed, but for peace, tranquillity and beautiful scenery the area is unsurpassed. The towns are well served with shops, banks and restaurants and are only a few minutes drive from the motorway which goes to Malaga, Seville and Granada. Unlike many Spanish villages in the area, the roads are well maintained, and there are no hair-raising mountain roads to travel - unless you seek them out!
Villanueva del Trabuco is a local centre for olive production and is famous for the quality of its oil - which can be purchased locally. This small town is split in two by a river, with the newer part of the town on one bank, and the older part on the gentle slope of the hill on the other bank.
Archidona is a larger town, set on the side of a steep hill, with the main street running from top to bottom. Here, there are shops of every type, as well as many bars and restaurants. The house, Los Rosales, is at the top end of the town, away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to be within walking distance of all the main facilities.
Colmenar is known as the Capital of the Montes de Malaga and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. As this white village nestles in the foothills of the mountains, some of the streets here are quite steep and narrow.Village life here is a mixture of old and new, rural and urban, where Spanish traditions, culture and customs can be enjoyed. Colmenar is well known across Andalucía for its excellent agriculture, olive and almond groves and also produces fine pork products, cured meats, chorizo and morcilla - all of which can be purchased locally.
Loja is a busy town about 60km north of Malaga. It has many shops, bars and restaurants, and in the summer months there is a Water Park. It is bypassed by the motorway which links Granada and Seville, so day trips to these cities are possible.
Ronda is an interesting, well-known town only a few miles from Finca Pantano, so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of your "base" or explore Ronda and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it.
Sedella is a traditional "pueblo blanco" on a hill top near Competa, just inland from Torre del Mar.Salobrena is on the coast to the east of Malaga.
Average temperatures in central Andalucia.
A typical scene near Villanueva del Trabuco.
The main road North from Villanueva del Trabuco
A street scene in Villanueva del Trabuco, which is about 45km north of Malaga